Bernard McGreavy

Son of John and Mary McGreavy, of 59, Leen Side, Nottingham (CWGC). 1891 Census: John and Mary were living at 28 Walker Street, Derby, and had three sons, John (5), Thomas (2) and Michael (5 months). 1901 Census: John and Mary had moved to 15 Taylor's Yard, Nottingham and were living with their sons John (15), Thomas, Bernard and James; Michael is not recorded on the census. At the time of the 1911 census the family was living at 38 Lees Yard, Nottingham. John and Mary had been married for 28 years and had had eight children born living of whom three had died. Living with them were three sons, Thomas (22), Bernard (18) and James (12) and two daughters, Mary (9) and Rose (6). It therefore appears that John and Michael died young as had another child, who had not lived long enough to be recorded on a census. Bernard's religion is recorded in his service documents as 'Roman Catholic'. His brother James served in the Wiltshire Regiment from 3 October 1916 but was discharged, medically unfit, in October 1917 and died 6 November 1918 aged 20 (buried Nottingham General Cemetery).

Employment/Hobbies

Member of Dakeyne Street Boys Club, 2nd Nottingham Boys Brigade. 1911 Census: Colliery coal worker. At the time he enlisted he was described as a 'town labourer'.

Army Service record (Short Service Engagement) survives. Attested 8 February 1915 aged 20 years 10 months and joined the DLI at Newcastle on 9 February. He served in France from 25 August 1915. He was admitted to hospital at St Omer, France, September 1915 with pleurisy. Other periods of illness are recorded including laryngitis in October 1916 when he was on home leave and was admitted to Carrington Military Hospital, and bronchitis, 8 November 1917-22 December 1917. He was charged in August 1918 for being absent and forfeited 8 days pay. He was killed in action and commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.